Major permits received

The permitting process for the new unit is largely complete, with several major permits in hand, including:

• Approval from the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) to construct and operate Stony Brook 3. The EFSB order finds that Stony Brook 3 "will provide a reliable energy supply for the Commonwealth within a minimum impact on the environment at the lowest possible cost".


• Approval of the project's Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which found that the FEIR "adequately and properly complies" with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).


• Approval by the Ludlow Conservation Commission of MMWEC's request for a determination that the project is not subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, a result of project plans that avoid direct impacts on wetlands.


• Approval by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife of mitigation measures proposed by MMWEC to address potential project impacts.


• Approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, which reviewed project impacts on air traffic at the neighboring Westover Air Reserve Base and Westover Metropolitan Airport.

Major permits still pending

• DEP/EPA Air Permits - These final major permits required for unit operation are in process. MMWEC has received and commented upon the draft Massachusetts Air Permit.

Construction process

As the principal owner of the new unit, MMWEC will be responsible for construction and operation of Stony Brook Unit 3, with input from joint owners. Remaining activities include the financing of MMWEC's ownership share of the project, the procurement of equipment, completion of detailed design work and construction of the project. These activities will move forward following the execution of Power Sales Agreements with MMWEC Project Participants and a Joint Ownership Agreement with potential partners.

Construction is planned for mid-2015 but is currently being assessed in light of market conditions and a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision that if upheld affects capacity revenues for new generation assets.